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12 w = = a Sept. 30is be observed as astatutory holiday to com- 2 memorate the horrific leg- F acy of residential schools @ in Canada. Here's what you need to § know about the holiday 8 and the meaning behind it. WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE = HOLIDAY? The stat holiday is called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is meant to be a day for to spread awareness of and reflect on the tragedies experienced by Indigenous people as a result of the country's for- mer residential school sys- tem. | Thursday, September 22, 2022 WHEN WAS THE HOLIDAY CREATED? The federal government passed Bill C-5 in June 2021 to allow for the creation of this stat holiday. The holiday is in line with one of the 94 calls to action of The Truth and Reconciliation Commis: sion, which states: "We call upon the federal govern- ment, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to es- tablish, as a statutory holi- day, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the his- tory and legacy of residen- tial schools remains a vital component of the reconcili- ation process." WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SEPT. 30? Since 2013, Sept. 30 has been observed as Orange Shirt Day across the coun- tye aday, created by resi: schoo! irvivo} bills (Jack) ‘Webotad on which Canadians wear or- WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION ange shirts to commemo- rate the Indigenous chil- dren who were taken from their homes and placed in residential schools. According to the Or- Shi ly website, Sept. 30 was selected for be- ing around the time that children. were taken from their home The colour orange is sig- nificant because it was the colour of Webstad's shirt on her f rst day. of residen: tial shirt that was olen away eon oat once she arrived. HOW IS NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIA- TION MEANT TO BE OB- SERVED? As this is a day of aware- ness and commemoration, the day “may present itself as a day of quiet reflection or participation in a com- munity event," according Nathan Tidridge photo The orange shirt has become a symbol of solidarity with Indigenous people. to the Canadian govern- ment. WHO GETS THE DAY OFF? Sept. 30 is a statutory holiday and will operate the same way as other stat- utory holidays in the coun- try: a paid day off for those who work in federally reg- ulated jobs. Federal offices, as well as banks, will be closed on this day. The residential schools crisis line is available 24 hours a day for anyone ex- periencing pain or distress as a result of a residential school experience. Support is available at 1-866-925- 4419, ST JOHN AMBULANCE CAMBRIDGE BRANCH IS RECRUITING! COME AND JOIN ONE OF OUR AMAZING TEAMS! Lots of opportunities available, you can help your community as a: MEDICAL FIRST RESPONDER VOLUNTEER, provide first aid coverage at community event waterloochronicle.ca THERAPY DOG TEAM MEMBER, offer therapeutic visits at seniors homes, libraries and schools with you own dog GIFT WRAP VOLUNTEER, during the month of December have fun wrapping gifts for donations at the Cambridge Centre Mall St. John Ambulance Please contact our branch for more information, email cambridge@sja.ca or call 519 740 8895 Ge Ontario BOUNDLESS POTENTIAL OF YOUNG PEOPLE. South Western Member of 3ACanada BELIEVE IN THE Join our volunteer force to provide relevant hands-on learning inside and outside the classroom. _ jaswo. /get-i J g shael /